May 29th 2003
Defence Minister Robert Hill will leave tomorrow for Singapore and Malaysia for important talks on defence and security issues, including terrorism and weapons of mass destruction.
In Singapore, Senator Hill will attend the second Asia Security Conference organised by the International Institute for Strategic Studies. The conference brings together Defence Ministers, officials and experts from around the Asia-Pacific region. Reflecting the globalisation of security, representatives from the United States, United Kingdom and European nations will also attend.
Senator Hill will also travel to Malaysia for a meeting of Defence Ministers from the Five Power Defence Arrangement (FPDA).
Senator Hill said the Singapore conference would be the first major forum for discussions between Defence Ministers since the conflict in Iraq and last year’s Bali terrorist bombings.
"Australia has a major stake in the security of the Asia-Pacific region and our relationships play an important part in the region’s stability," Senator Hill said.
"The increased focus on terrorism in the past two years has contributed to a stronger regional security community as governments work together to defeat a common threat.
"It is clear that militant Islamic groups and international terrorism networks pose a serious threat to South East Asian nations as well as Western countries and interests including Australia.
"The Asia Security Conference will be a valuable opportunity to build even stronger links between countries to deal with emerging threats through increased cooperation, sharing information and combining resources."
The conference will provide Senator Hill with the opportunity to meet the US Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz and UK Defence Secretary Geoffrey Hoon to discuss coalition efforts to rehabilitate Iraq.
The conference will be held from Friday 30 May to Sunday 1 June with up to 20 countries represented, including France, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, New Zealand, Vietnam, Cambodia, India, Thailand and Timor-Leste.
Senator Hill will then travel to Malaysia for the biennial FPDA meeting with Ministers from Singapore, Malaysia, United Kingdom and New Zealand.
